Diversity Outreach

The CASA Mission

Provide court advocacy and support in the 5th Judicial District of Colorado for abused and neglected children in pursuit of safe and permanent homes.

Diversity Outreach Volunteer

CASA of the Continental Divide

Volunteers are placed with a child based on that child’s individual needs. Often these children are more comfortable with, and trusting of, advocates who best understand their culture and can connect with a child on that level.

Overwhelmingly, Hispanic/Latino children are overrepresented in the child welfare system. Nationwide, there are 91,000 Hispanic/Latino children currently in the foster care system and fewer than 2,000 Hispanic/Latino volunteers to serve them. In Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake, and Summit Counties Bilingual Hispanic/Latino volunteers are especially needed. While all volunteers communicate in English during court proceedings, they are often working with individuals whose first language is Spanish. Navigating language barriers is critical to ensuring success for a child. Currently only 1.5% of all CASA volunteers are Hispanic/Latino and 17% of CASA of the Continental Divide’s caseload are Hispanic/Latino. With Spanish being the primary language spoken in 10% of the homes.

Another need we have is male volunteers. More than 40% of the children in need are boys, we have a special need for more men to stand up and be counted as everyday heroes and role models in the lives of these future men.

For more information on how you can CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY, email casacd_ed@mtncasa.org.